DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Aug. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Robinson called the Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM

Roll call was taken:

Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Killey, Kelleher, Kreinbrink, Redden & Surratt

Also present: Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak

City Treasurer Webber, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

Mayor Robinson:

Request for Liquor License Upgrade: John Culaga, representing Casey’s, had expressed interest in amending their liquor to include the sale of hard liquor. At the July 15th meeting, Council had expressed no interest in amending their liquor license from the sale of beer and wine. Mayor Robinson indicated he had been in contact with Mr. Culaga who agreed there was no reason to be present at the meeting.

Electrical Aggregation Program: Arnie Schramel, representing Progressive Energy, gave a brief presentation on the residential electrical aggregation contract that will be expiring in October. Projected average annual savings per resident will be $70.00. ComEd will be raising their rates October 1, 2019 to $0.07207 per kWh, and the City is hoping to find a supplier that will offer residents $0.06500 per kWh. The 12-month contract affords residents to leave the program without penalties or cancellation fees. The contract will be part of an aggregation program to keep costs lower that include, but not limited to, Shabbona, Waterman, Somonauk, Plano, Hinckley, Big Rock and Aurora Township. It was noted that approximately 55% of the City participates in the program.

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren LLC: No report City Clerk Ii: No report

CityTreasurer: Noreport

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak reported that MFT project (2019 MFT 19-00000- 01-GM) will resume next Wednesday and is trying to work around schools opening. Kees Lane is completed, and the City will be completing the shoulder work.

Chief Bianchi: No report

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Alderwoman Chmielewski: No report

Alderman Dell reported that he along with Chief Bianchi and a representative from IMIC (Illinois Municipal Insurance Coop) met to discuss risk management issues along with a review of city buildings. There have been several claims due to lightening strike, and safeguards to impact the strikes was discussed. Cyber safety was another topic discussed. IMIC conducted their own offsite test (excluding Sandwich) on phishing and discovered that 35% of the staff opened the emails causing computer issues that developed into potential claims. Regarding city buildings, IMIC was impressed with the condition of buildings and that buildings were kept orderly.

Alderman Kelleher: No report

Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following this evening’s Council meeting.

Alderman Kreinbrink thanked everyone for their representation at the visitation and funeral for Fire Chief Jake Pruski.

Questioning Engineer Horak, Alderman Kreinbrink asked the status of a sinkhole repair at the corner of Main and Hall Streets and suggested a cold patch be applied until the repair of the storm sewer is completed.

Also directed to Engineer Horak, Alderman Kreinbrink questioned the status of repairing the pumping station at the west end of Hall Street. The building is in a state of disrepair including a leaking roof. Alderman Redden agreed noting that the building should have lasted for decades but is now experiencing decay and mold issues due to poor construction. Engineer Horak explained that several contractors have been contacted showing little interest in the project. It was suggested that funding could be derived by the now cancelled light show.

In asking for an update regarding the EPA issue on city-owned property on Gletty Road, Mayor Robinson said that the City’s consultant did their testing on Thursday and results should be available in a couple of weeks.

Concerning MetroNet fiber installation, Alderman Kreinbrink noted that ComEd has recently marked some of their poles that will need to be replaced. Much of the MetroNet fiber installation is overhead, and to accomplish installation by avoiding the reject poles by ComEd, temporary poles are being installed. He noted that it is feasible that some households could have up to 3 poles temporarily in their front yard. Engineer Horak explained that the City has a franchise agreement, and the City cannot dictate ComEd’s decision on their poles. Alderman Kreinbrink suggested that the City contact ComEd to obtain a timeline when they will have the defected poles replaced.

Lastly, Alderman Kreinbrink asked Chief Bianchi if KenCom pricing for 911 has been obtained. Chief acknowledged confirmation.

Alderman Redden: No report

Alderman Robinson: No report

Alderman Surratt: Supplementing comments regarding MetroNet, Alderman Surratt questioned if the City was overseeing the installation of fiber. He indicated he had received numerous complaints from residents.

New Business: None

Audience Comments: Resident, Bob Perkins, emphasized that the spoils from the Center / Main Street renovation project that were dumped on city-owned property were toxic. Mayor Robinson reiterated that the consultant tested the soil on Thursday, and that findings will take several weeks.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Redden and seconded by Alderman Kelleher to adjourn the Committee-of-the- Whole Council meeting at 7:30 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw080519.pdf